STATEMENT FROM WA CHIEF HEALTH OFFICER, DR ANDREW ROBERTSON
Current as at 0930hrs WST
I would like to reassure members of the Western Australian community that there continues to be no risk to them contracting Novel Coronavirus from the flights arriving at Learmonth on transit to Christmas Island.
Further, there are stringent border security measures in place at the Perth Airport and ports throughout the State to ensure the ongoing public safety of the community from passengers arriving internationally.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can make humans and animals sick. They cause illnesses that can range from the common cold to more severe diseases. The novel coronavirus is called ‘novel’ because it is new.
Coronaviruses are most often spread through person-to-person contact within close proximity to each other. While much is still unknown about 2019-nCoV, evidence suggests that it is spread the same as all other coronaviruses – through close contact and not at distances of more than two metres.
Therefore, members of the public should be alert, but not alarmed. There is no need to panic, and there is no need to buy or wear facemasks. This advice also applies to people working at airports, ports and in the transport industry.
The Department of Health is regularly updating its website with information, and people should visit www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/coronavirus to learn more information.
A national hotline has also been set up to respond to people with medical concerns about Novel Coronavirus. The number is 1800 020 080.
ENDS
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